Friends and family attended a special ceremony on Wednesday night to congratulate 65 students completing their Skills for Tertiary Entrance Preparatory Studies (STEPS) at Central Queensland University Mackay.

The students, who embarked on a 16-week full-time course or 26 week part-time course, have been undertaking studies in maths, computing, research and language skills to better equip them for the challenges they will face at university.

Central Queensland University Mackay STEPS co-ordinator Lyn Forbes-Smith was full of praise for the graduates and was thrilled with the number of students who have chosen to enrol for university next year.

“This is a group of highly committed and dedicated people who have confronted various challenges and adversity in order to change their lives,” she said. "Some STEPS graduates will be pursuing studies in homeopathy, natural medicine, viticulture and beauty therapy, some will be returning to work in more significant fields of employment and 39 students have enrolled to study at CQU next year.".

Head of Mackay Campus Professor Phillip Clift, addressed the group and commented that STEPS students have a high record of success.

“The CQU STEPS program has been rated in the top three among similar programs on offer across Australia, and is an excellent way to prepare for the demands of university study or study of any kind,” said Professor Clift.

Each STEPS graduate has a story to tell and here are just a few.

Jeff Stone was an Automotive Mechanic who was “sick of getting greasy”. He enrolled in STEPS after hearing about the program through a friend, and has now enrolled to study a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at CQU next year.

Julie Robson was working as an account manager with a Mackay recruitment agency, but always wanted to go to university. She left school 20 years ago, was worried about her age and didn’t have the confidence to enrol at university.

“As a result of the STEPS program I have learned how to research, how to write a report and my self esteem has been given a boost,” she said. “Now I know I can do it, and have enrolled to study nursing next year at CQU.".

Tanya Tatow is a mum with two children aged three and 14. She was surfing the Internet one day and found out about the STEPS program and decided to enrol.

“It was fate; everything just fell into place,” she said. “Prior to STEPS I didn’t have a lot of confidence and had been out of the workforce for some time. Now I know how to write an assignment and reference it correctly and I know I can do it. I’m very excited about studying nursing, it’s like a dream come true.".

Craig van de Kaa was a home dad prior to his STEPS challenge and described STEPS as an excellent program.

“I’ve learned how to research, reference and write assignments and I’ve brushed up on Maths,” he said. “Next year I’ve enrolled to study a Bachelor of Learning Management to become a primary teacher.".

CQU Mackay Counsellor Ms Jocelyn Wood, who has been personally involved with many of the students over the course of their studies, was also full of praise.

“I really admire these students. Many have come from difficult backgrounds, unsupportive environments or family trauma and they have decided to do something better with their lives and work towards university,” said Ms Wood.

“Some have never contemplated university study before, and now it is a reality for most.".

Photo (above): CQU Mackay STEPS co-ordinator Lyn Forbes-Smith with STEPS graduates (from left) Jeff Stone, Julie Robson and Tanya Tatow.

Photo (left): Trudy Schieb, from the STEPS Communication and Learning Centre, addressed the students at Wednesday night’s graduation ceremony.